Saint Vincent College is a welcoming environment, sharing the core values of the Benedictine tradition, especially hospitality, community, love, prayer and respect for the dignity of all.

Founded in 1848 by Boniface Wimmer, a monk from Bavaria, we are the first Benedictine college in the United States. Saint Vincent College has striven to embody the ideals and character of the 1,500-year-old heritage of Benedictine education. For 170 years, the monks of Saint Vincent have exemplified and carried on this living Benedictine tradition.

Information for...

Faith and Reason

Catholic College Summer Program
Sunday, June 9, through Friday, June 14, 2019 - stay tuned for the 2020 dates!

About Faith and ReasonSpecifically designed for advanced high school and first-year college students, the Faith and Reason Catholic College Summer Program offers participants a unique opportunity to come to a richer, deeper understanding of the Catholic faith.

A Catholic College Summer ProgramEncouraging a life devoted to wisdom, this catholic summer program features a liberal arts approach to learning. Specifically, participants will:

Explore the relationship between faith and reason

Examine the perennial questions of humanity

Develop their communication skills

Learn how to analyze difficult arguments

Prepare for college studies

Integrate their moral, intellectual and spiritual development

Eligibility & Cost
Students must be at least age 15 to participate in the Faith and Reason catholic summer program. The cost of the summer program is $495, which includes room and board. The application deadline is May 23rd.

About the Director of Faith and ReasonDr. Michael Krom received his Doctorate in philosophy at Emory University in 2007 and is currently the chair of the philosophy department at Saint Vincent. He has authored a book on religion and politics and continues to publish works in Catholic moral and political thought. Dr. Krom will lead the Faith and Reason Catholic college summer program throughout its duration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive notifications about the program?

Once you register, you should receive email notification within a week as to whether you have been accepted. This will also contain payment instructions. After that, you will receive an email with waivers, what to bring, etc. about a week before the first day of the program.

When should I arrive, and when does the program end?

Students should arrive at 1pm on the Sunday of the program check-in; we will not have a Sunday mass, so please plan on attending mass beforehand. If you would like to attend mass at the basilica before the program, here is the link for mass times: http://basilicaparishstv.org/mass-times-2/. Our week concludes with a mass and light reception on Friday at 10am to which families are invited.

Is there a safe place to lock up my valuables?

You will be sharing a room with one other student, and both of you will have a key to lock up your room during the day. We have never had an incident of stolen items, but you are still advised to bring as few valuables as possible, and to keep those you bring out of view in your room.

Is bedding provided?

Yes, bedding is provided. You do not need to bring sheets, pillows or blankets. However, you do need to bring your own towel.

Do I need to bring a swimsuit?

We do not swim or do any water sports as part of the program, but there is a lap pool on campus should you want to swim during breaks.

Can I use my cell phone during the week?

In order to promote the kind of reflection and fellowship that makes for a great week together, cell phone usage is rarely allowed during the week. With the exception of breaks and when at the dorms, phones are not to be used. And, even when you are able to use them, you are encouraged to focus your attention on reflection, prayer, and on the friendships you are forming during the week. This can be hard for parents as well: parents will have the program director’s cell phone number, as well as those of the young adult prefects, so they will always be able to get in touch if necessary. Plus, photos will be sent throughout the week so that parents can see what we are up to!

Do I need to have formal attire for the daily masses?

While we have mass every day, most days we are heading off to a hike or outdoor activity right afterwards, and so on those days you should wear to mass more casual/hiking attire. There is really only one day (Friday) where you are asked to wear the most formal attire you have with you. Of course, you are expected to dress modestly at all times, and your clothes should not contain inappropriate logos or messages.

Can I do the Faith and Reason Summer Program more than once?

The majority of students come back for a second, or even a third, year. There is a $150 discount for returning students. While most of the week’s activities remain the same, returning students have separate seminars in which they focus more closely on a classic text. In the past, for example, returning students have focused on G.K. Chesterton, Flannery O’Connor, the Psalms, St. Gregory the Great, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Is there a sibling discount?

Yes, to help make Faith and Reason more affordable for families, there is a $150 discount for siblings.